Scotts is the talk of Troon this Christmas
Scotts Troon is one of three Scotts venues, all found at seaside locations. The other two are in Largs and South Queensferry. Last year, Mrs Foodie visited Scotts Largs via a motor yacht (as you do).
This year I made my first visit to Scotts Troon by minibus (not quite as glamorous an entrance!). The Troon restaurant isn't in the town centre, instead keep driving to the port and you'll find it beside the water looking out onto Troon Yacht Haven and the Firth of Clyde. Sadly, it was pitch black by the time I got there so I don't have any photos of the view or a sunset to share.
It was a cold windy night, but hey, it was warm and cosy inside and all decked out for Christmas. On arrival I was presented with a refreshing Scotts Festive Punch (gin, elderflower, peach, lemon & prosecco) and this was soon followed by another cocktail utilising the newly-released Wildcat gin, a Wildcat Candy Cane Martini (Wildcat gin, cranberry & vanilla topped with prosecco and a crushed candy cane rim).
I was here to take part in multi-course festive feast. Here's what I ate...
Course 1: pan fried scallops
Being so close to the sea it made sense to start with a seafood course and here we have two beautifully cooked scallops on a bed of smooth celeriac purée with green apple Julienne and crunchy hazelnuts. I find that celeriac is an under-used ingredient and this was creamy and yet had a sort of meaty taste. I could have happily devoured a larger plate of this!
Course 2: coconut coated prawns
I'm a big fan of tempura prawns and fritto misto so looked forward to course two - battered prawns with the taste of coconut contained within the batter. Other tropical flavours were provided by the mango & pepper salsa and lime & basil aioli. Thumbs up again!
Course 3: Twice baked goats cheese soufflé
A good 'firm but soft' cheese soufflé, which was soft and airy, and of course cheese but without any strong flavours you might expect from goats cheese. On the side were textures of beetroot and deep-fried cheese rind no less!
Course 4: Roasted butternut squash soup
A perfect winter soup, full of warming flavour. Topped with croutons, parmesan and spiced seeds.
Course 5: traditional roast turkey
Of course a turkey course was on the menu too, with wrapped turkey meat, a bit like a roulade, with sage & cranberry stuffing, honey roasted roots, sautéed sprouts & chestnuts, roast potatoes and pan jus.
Course 6: roast rump of picanha steak
Brazil's most revered cut of steak has made it to Ayrshire! We were introduced to picanha at World's End Market in London last year, and thankfully this time it was cooked a little bit more but still so so tender. This was served with confit garlic, chive potatoes, greens and red wine jus.
Course 7: Christmas spiced sponge pudding and caramel cheesecake
To finish with a bang I had 2 desserts in 1! On the left, Christmas spiced sponge pudding with cranberry & pecan, toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream. On the right, caramel cheesecake praline crumb, vanilla ice cream and butterscotch sauce. Both were very yummy!
Shackleton whisky
At the end of our meal, after a brief history of Shackleton whisky, I got to experience the whisky with an ice cube that I had branded by myself (the ice cube says Shackleton if you look upside down!).
Scotts certainly put on a filling feast. If you're still looking for a place to book for lunch or dinner over the festive period (some days they are open for lunch only) here are the important details:
Two courses (starter & main) is £16.95 for lunch and £17.95 for dinner, or have three courses with a glass of prosecco for £25.95 for lunch or £32.95 for dinner.
Scotts is open on Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Christmas day dinner is served from 12 noon - 7pm and is £67.50 for 5 courses including coffee & petit fours. Dinner on Hogmanay is served from 8pm. Four courses, coffee, a glass of Champagne, DJ and piper at the bells costs a mere £59.95.
Food on New Year's Day is £24.95 for two courses or £31.45 for three courses as is served between 12 noon - 7pm.
Where
- Troon Yacht Haven, Harbour Road, Troon, KA10 6DJ
- Yacht Haven, Irvine Rd, Largs KA30 8EZ
- South Queensferry, Port Edgar Marina, Shore Road, EH30 9SQ
Booking
email: christmas@buzzworksholdings.com
telephone: 01292 430 580
website: buzzworksholdings.com/christmas
Disclaimer: Mr Foodie received a free festive feast while poor Fred had to make do with the same old boring pouches he eats all year round. Not to worry, Mr Foodie bought some fancy new cat food for Christmas and now he forgives him so reckons you should trust his words above.